Hearts Push 8 Points Ahead Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops

History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.

Decisive Period in the Second Half

A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.

The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.

The Visitors' Fightback

Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.

Stubborn Defence

The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the excitement.

• Complete analysis coming soon.